TRIXIE SMITH — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 1 (1922-1924) DOCD-5332 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Part of the European Document label's giant prewar blues reissue series includes two Trixie Smith CDs that repackage all of her recordings. The second disc is the preferred acquisition, but Vol. 1 is not without interest. The majority of Smith's recordings (particularly in the early days) were vaudeville and pop songs, but on the relatively rare occasions when she sang a lowdown blues, she fared quite well. The first volume starts out with four numbers that are dated either January or March 1922 here, but are probably from September and November 1921. Trixie Smith improved on records as time went on; her first few numbers have rather dated accompaniment. In fact, despite the presence of pianist James P. Johnson (who is well buried on two numbers), her musicians do not get very stimulating until after the first 20 of the 25 numbers. Most notable among the selections are "He May Be Your Man" (which has some familiar lyrics), "My Man Rocks Me" (a song that would be among Trixie's most famous), the heated "Ride Jockey Ride," and a couple of train songs ("Freight Train Blues" and "Choo Choo Blues"), which would become one of her specialties. This is historic music that set the stage for Trixie's later, generally superior performances.  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Trixie Smith–    Desperate Blues (take 2) 3:13
2    Trixie Smith–    Trixies Blues 3:09
3    Trixie Smith–    You Missed A Good Woman When You Picked All Over Me (take 2) 3:09
Orchestra – James P. Johnson's Harmony Eight
4    Trixie Smith–    Long Lost, Weary Blues (take 3) 3:03
Orchestra – James P. Johnson's Harmony Eight
5    Trixie Smith–    He May Be Your Man    2:46
6    Trixie Smith–    Pensacola Blues    3:08
7    Trixie Smith–    Give Me That Old Slow Drag 2:51
Orchestra – The Jazz Masters
8    Trixie Smith–    My Man Rocks Me 2:52
Orchestra – The Jazz Masters
9    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    "I'm Through" With You (As I Can Be) 3:22
10    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Take It Daddy, Its All Yours 2:45
11    Trixie Smith–    I'm Gonna Get You 3:06
12    Trixie Smith–    2 A.M. Blues 3:16
13    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Log Cabin Blues    3:15
14    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Voo Doo Blues    3:03
15    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Tired Of Waitin' Blues    3:06
16    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Triflin' Blues    2:53
17    Trixie Smith–    I Don't Know And I Don't Care Blues (take 1) 2:49
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
18    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators*–    Freight Train Blues    3:05
19    Trixie Smith–    Sorrowful Blues 3:00
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
20    Trixie Smith–    Don't Shake It No More (take 2)    3:00
21    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Praying Blues (take 2) 3:10
22    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Ada Jane's Blues 3:06
23    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Ride Jockey Ride 2:55
24    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Choo Choo Blues (take 2) 3:08
25    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators–    Choo Choo Blues (take 3) 3:04
Credits :
Banjo – Charlie Dixon (tracks: 17 to 19, 21 to 25)
Banjo [Prob.] – Charlie Dixon (tracks: 15, 16)
Clarinet – Buster Bailey (tracks: 23 to 25), Don Redman (tracks: 17 to 19, 21, 22)
Clarinet [Prob.] – Edgar Campbell (3) (tracks: 15, 16)
Cornet [Poss./Or] – Howard Scott (2) (tracks: 21, 22)
Cornet [Prob./Or] – Elmer Chambers (tracks: 21, 22)
Cornet [Prob.] – Elmer Chambers (tracks: 15, 16), Howard Scott (2) (tracks: 17 to 19)
Effects – Unknown Artist (tracks: 18, 24, 25)
Percussion – Unknown Artist (tracks: 22)
Piano – Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 17 to 19, 23 to 25), James P. Johnson (tracks: 3, 4), Unknown Artist (tracks: 20)
Piano [Presumably] – Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano [Prob.] – Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 15, 16, 21, 22)
Tenor Saxophone [Prob.] – Walter Watkins (tracks: 3, 4)
Trombone – Charlie Green (tracks: 21 to 25)
Trombone [Poss.] – Ted Nixon* (tracks: 17 to 19)
Trombone [Prob.] – George Brashear (tracks: 15, 16)
Trumpet – Elmer Chambers (tracks: 23 to 25)
Trumpet [Poss.] – Russell Smith (tracks: 9, 10)
Violin – Unknown Artist (tracks: 20)
Vocals – Trixie Smith

TRIXIE SMITH — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 2 (1925-1939) DOCD-5333 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trixie Smith was a fine vaudeville-style singer who could also do a powerful job on the blues when called for. The second of two Document CDs that contain all of her recordings starts out with 13 selections from 1925. Smith is joined by her "Down Home Syncopators" (actually the Original Memphis Five) on the first two songs, "Everybody Loves My Baby" and "How Come You Do Me Like You Do." She is heard on two sets in which she is joined by a quintet that includes trombonist Charlie Green, clarinetist Buster Bailey and most notably Louis Armstrong, and is featured later in the year with several top Fletcher Henderson sidemen. On these dates, the more memorable selections include the masochistic "You've Got to Beat Me to Keep Me," "He Likes It Slow" and her classic train song "Railroad Blues." There are also two takes of "Messin' Around" from 1926 in which Trixie is heard as part of Jimmy Blythe's Ragamuffins, a band including clarinetist Johnny Dodds and the legendary cornetist Freddie Keppard. The final eight selections on this 23-cut CD are taken from Smith's May 26, 1938 session, with one number, "No Good Man," dating from the following year and finding her assisted by a band that includes trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen and clarinetist Barney Bigard. The 1938 set matches Trixie with the fiery young trumpeter Charlie Shavers, a restrained Sidney Bechet on soprano, and a four-piece rhythm section. Although she had not recorded in a dozen years, Trixie Smith is in prime form on such numbers as "Freight Train Blues," two versions of "My Daddy Rocks Me" and "He May Be Your Man (But He Comes to See Me Sometime)." Apparently an alcohol problem shortened both Smith's career and life, but one does not hear any decline during these excellent performances. Highly recommended, while the less essential Vol. 1 is worth picking up too. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Trixie's Down Home Syncopators – Everybody Loves My Baby (Take 6) 2:49
2    Trixie's Down Home Syncopators – How Come You Do Me Like You Do (Take 6) 3:00
3    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators – You've Got To Beat Me To Keep Me    3:02
4    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    Mining Camp Blues (Take 1) 3:00
5    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    Mining Camp Blues (Take 2) 2:53
6    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    The World's Jazz Crazy And So Am I (Take 1)    3:00
7    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    The World's Jazz Crazy And So Am I (Take 2)    3:00
8    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    Railroad Blues (Take 1)    2:56
9    Trixie Smith, Acc. Her Down Home Syncopators –    Railroad Blues (Take 2)    2:52
10    Trixie Smith–    Everybody's Doing That Charleston Now (Take 1) 3:07
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
11    Trixie Smith–    He Likes It Slow (Take 2) 2:51
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
12    Trixie Smith–    Black Bottom Hop 2:52
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
13    Trixie Smith–    Love Me Like You Used To Do 2:47
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
14    Jimmy Blythe And His Ragamuffins–    Messin' Around (Take 1)    2:55
15    Jimmy Blythe And His Ragamuffins–    Messin' Around (Take 2)    2:51
16    Trixie Smith–    Freight Train Blues    3:13
17    Trixie Smith–    Trixie Blues    3:09
18    Trixie Smith–    My Daddy Rocks Me    2:50
19    Trixie Smith–    My Daddy Rocks Me No. 2    2:47
20    Trixie Smith–    He May Be Your Man (But He Comes To See Me Sometime)    2:40
21    Trixie Smith–    Jack I'm Mellow    2:39
22    Trixie Smith–    My Unusual Man    2:43
23    Trixie Smith–    No Good Man    2:46
Credits :
Banjo – Charlie Dixon (tracks: 3 to 13)
Bass – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 16 to 22), Unknown Artist (tracks: 23)
Brass Bass – Ralph Escudero (tracks: 10 to 13)
Clarinet – Barney Bigard (tracks: 23), Buster Bailey (tracks: 3 to 13)
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy Lytell (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Johnny Dodds (tracks: 14, 15)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet (tracks: 16 to 22)
Cornet – Freddie Keppard (tracks: 14, 15), Joe Smith (tracks: 10 to 13), Louis Armstrong (tracks: 3 to 9)
Drums – O'Neill Spencer (tracks: 16 to 22)
Drums [Prob.] – Jack Roth (tracks: 1, 2), Sidney Catlett (tracks: 23)
Guitar – Teddy Bunn (tracks: 16 to 22), Unknown Artist (tracks: 23)
Percussion [Tapping] – Unknown Artist (tracks: 11)
Piano – Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 3 to 13), Jimmy Blythe (tracks: 14, 15), Sammy Price (tracks: 16 to 22), Unknown Artist (tracks: 23)
Piano [Prob.] – Frank Signorelli (tracks: 1, 2)
Trombone – Charlie Green (tracks: 3 to 13), Miff Mole (tracks: 1, 2)
Trombone [Poss.] – Roy Palmer (tracks: 14, 15)
Trumpet – Charlie Shavers (tracks: 16 to 22)
Trumpet [Prob.] – Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 23), Phil Napoleon (tracks: 1, 2)
Vocals – Trixie Smith
Wood Block – Jasper Taylor (tracks: 14, 15)

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order Vol. 1 (1926-1927) DOCD 5316 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of four Document CDs that contain all of singer Victoria Spivey's pre-war recordings has her first 23 sides. Spivey made her initial reputation with her series of dark blues that were full of symbolism, such as her trademark "Black Snake Blues" -- snakes and tuberculosis were common topics in her lyrics. Her first four selections were recorded in St. Louis from May 11-13, 1926 (she was 19 at the time); she then relocated to New York. Spivey is heard backed by several ensembles led by pianist John Erby in August 1926 (including her first meetings with guitarist Lonnie Johnson) and on five pieces in October 1927 with Johnson and pianist Porter Grainger. By the time the latter sides were recorded, her style was becoming a little more lighthearted and softer but no less powerful. Among the highlights of this superior set are "Black Snake Blues," "Hoodoo Man Blues," "Spider Web Blues," "Got the Blues So Bad," "The Alligator Pond Went Dry," "T.B. Blues," and "Garter Snake Blues." This is highly recommended, as are the other three CDs in this important series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Black Snake Blues 3:08
Vocals, Piano – Victoria Spivey
2 Dirty Woman's Blues 3:10
Speech [Male] – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano – Victoria Spivey
3 Long Gone Blues 3:05
Cornet – Pierce Gist
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
4 No More Jelly Bean Blues 3:18
Cornet – Pierce Gist
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
5 Hoodoo Man Blues 2:40
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
6 Spider Web Blues 3:03
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
7 It's Evil Hearted Me 2:55
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
8 Santa Fe Blues 3:21
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
9 Humored And Petted Blues 2:27
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – Erby's Fidgety Five
Piano – John Erby
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Trumpet – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
10 Big Hoston Blues 2:45
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano [Prob.] – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
11 Got The Blues So Bad 3:02
Piano [Prob.] – John Erby
Violin – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
12 Blue Valley Blues 2:53
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – Erby's Fidgety Five
Piano – John Erby
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Trumpet – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
13 Steady Grind 3:27
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
14 Idle Hour Blues 3:01
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
15 Arkansas Road Blues 3:20
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
16 The Alligator Pond Went Dry 2:44
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
17 No. 12 Let Me Roam 3:32
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
18 T-B Blues 3:15
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
19 Garter Snake Blues 3:17
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
20 Christmas Morning Blues 3:28
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
21 Dope Head Blues 3:21
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
22 Red Lantern Blues 3:11
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
23 Blood Thirsty Blues 3:03
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order Vol. 2 (1927-1929) DOCD 5317 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey, who made her initial reputation with dark and somewhat scary blues lyrics, altered her style during the period covered by this second of four "complete" Document CDs. She is heard in a series of double entendre songs (usually issued in two parts) with singer/guitarist Lonnie Johnson, including "New Black Snake Blues," "Toothache Blues," "Furniture Man Blues," and "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now." Also, Spivey is heard with an all-star group led by pianist Clarence Williams (including cornetist King Oliver and guitarist Eddie Lang) that unfortunately does not get much space to stretch out; on two classic performances ("Funny Feathers" and "How Do You Do It that Way") on which she is joined by Louis Armstrong's Savoy Ballroom Five (with pianist Gene Anderson in Earl Hines' place); and guesting on two versions apiece of those same two songs with Henry "Red" Allen's Octet (which was really Luis Russell's Orchestra). Spivey, who was a strong singer from the start, is featured throughout in peak form, showing that she could not only sing blues but good-time jazz of the era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Nightmare Blues
2. Murder In The First Degree
3. Jelly Look What You Done Done
4. Your Worries Ain'T Like Mine
5. A Good Man Is Hard To Find
6. My Handy Man
7. Organ Grinder Blues (Take A)
8. Organ Grinder Blues (Take C)
9. New Black Snake Blues - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
10. New Black Snake Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
11. No Papa No!
12. Toothache Blues - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
13. Furniture Man Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
14. Furniture Man Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
15. Mosquito Fly And Flea
16. Toothache Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
17. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now! - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
18. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now! - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
19. Funny Feathers
20. How Do You Do It That Way
21. Funny Feathers Blues (Take 1)
22. Funny Feathers Blues (Take 2)
23. How Do They Do It That Way (Take 1)
24. How Do They Do It That Way (Take 2)
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 21 to 24)
Banjo – Mancy Cara (tracks: 19, 20)
Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 21 to 24)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: 21 to 24), Omer Simeon (tracks: 6 to 8)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Cornet – King Oliver (tracks: 6 to 8)
Drums – Paul Barbarin (tracks: 21 to 24), Zutty Singleton (tracks: 19, 20)
Guitar – Eddie Lang (tracks: 6 to 8), Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 5, 9, 10, 17, 18)
Percussion – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 11)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 6 to 8, 11 to 16), Gene Anderson (tracks: 19, 20), Luis Russell (tracks: 21 to 24), Porter Grainger (tracks: 1 to 5)
Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey (tracks: 9, 10, 17, 18)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Strong (tracks: 19, 20), Teddy Hill (tracks: 21 to 24)
Trombone – Eddie Durham (tracks: 6 to 8), Fred Robinson (tracks: 19, 20), J. C. Higginbotham (tracks: 21 to 24)
Trumpet – Henry Allen (tracks: 21 to 24), Louis Armstrong (tracks: 19, 20)
Vocals – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 9, 10, 12 to 14, 16 to 18), Victoria Spivey

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Vol. 3 (1929-1936) DOCD 5318 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey's ability to evolve with the times and often reinvent her style can be heard throughout the third of four CDs in Document's reissuance of her prewar recordings. She is heard singing classic blues on four numbers with an all-star group drawn from Luis Russell's Orchestra (including trumpeter Red Allen and trombonist J.C. Higginbotham) and on four other songs in which she is just backed by pianist Russell and guitarist Will Johnson. She investigates double entendre blues with the assistance of pianist/vocalist Porter Grainger and (for the two-part "Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'") with guitarist/singer Funny Paper Smith. For a 1931 date, Spivey does her take on hokum (particularly on "He Wants Too Much") with the help of pianist Georgia Tom Dorsey and guitarist Tampa Red. And on "Dreaming 'Bout My Man" she is backed by the pre-swing big band Hunter's Serenaders. This volume concludes by jumping ahead five years and featuring Spivey singing quite confidently with a first-rate Chicago-based swing band (including "Black Snake Swing"). Although not quite as essential as the first two volumes in this series, this set (and Vol. 4) is also easily recommended. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1. Blood Hound Blues
2. Dirty T.B. Blues
3. Moaning The Blues
4. Telephoning The Blues
5. New York Blues
6. Lonesome With The Blues
7. Showered With The Blues
8. Haunted By The Blues
9. You've Gotta Have What It Takes - Part 1
10. You've Gotta Have What It Takes - Part 2
11. Baulin' Water Blues - Part 1
12. Baulin' Water Blues - Part 2
13. Mama's Quittin' And Leavin' - Part 1
14. Mama's Quittin' And Leavin' - Part 2
15. Nebraska Blues
16. He Wants Too Much
17. Low Down Man Blues
18. Don't Trust Nobody Blues
19. Dreaming 'Bout My Man
20. Sweet Please
21. Black Snake Swing
22. I'll Never Fall In Love Again
23. T B's Got Me
Credits :
Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 1 to 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 20 to 23)
Brass Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 4)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Drums – Bud Washington (tracks: 20 to 23)
Guitar – Teddy Bunn (tracks: 9 to 12), Will Johnson (tracks: 1 to 8)
Guitar [Prob.] – Tampa Red (tracks: 16 to 18)
Piano – Dorothy Scott (tracks: 20 to 23), Georgia Tom Dorsey (tracks: 16 to 18), Luis Russell (tracks: 1 to 8)
Piano [Poss.] – Charles Avery (tracks: 15), Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey (tracks: 20 to 23)
Saxophone – Chick Gordon (tracks: 20 to 23), Leon Washington (tracks: 20 to 23)
Soprano Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 1 to 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Teddy Hill (tracks: 1 to 3)
Trombone – J.C. Higginbotham (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Henry Allen* (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet [Prob.] – Randolph Scott (tracks: 20 to 23)
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Piano – Porter Grainger (tracks: 9 to 12)

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 4 (1936-1937) DOCD 5319 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey is best remembered today for her recordings in the 1920s and for her work with her Spivey label in the '60s, but she also made a fairly extensive series of records from 1936-1937. The final of her four Document CDs has all of the latter except for a few titles included on Vol. 3. The 22 cuts include ten previously unreleased performances. Spivey is joined by a variety of Chicago-based musicians on four of the five sessions: either Lee Collins (who gets carried away in spots) or Sheiks on trumpet; sometimes the erratic clarinetist Arnett Nelson; and a rhythm section with either Dorothy Scott, Black Bob, J.H. Shayne, Aletha Robinson or Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey on piano. (Big Bill Broonzy plays guitar on one session.) In addition, Spivey is heard on a New York date with five musicians who were with the Luis Russell Orchestra (which had become Louis Armstrong's backup group): pianist Russell, trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen, clarinetist Albert Nicholas, altoist Charlie Holmes, and bassist Pops Foster. Throughout, Spivey's voice is in fine form with the music ranging from good-time to Chicago-style blues. Highlights include "Mr. Freddie Blues," "Trouble in Mind," "Detroit Moan," "I Ain't Gonna Let You See My Santa Claus," "One Hour Mama," and "Good Cabbage." Although not as essential as her earlier work, this CD is worth picking up. It seems strange that Spivey (who up to the late '30s managed to stay fairly up to date) did not hook up with a swinging big band; instead, she would not record again until 1961. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1. Dreaming of You [take 1]
2. Dreaming of You [take 2]
3. I Can't Last Long
4. Mr. Freddie Blues [take 1]
5. Mr. Freddie Blues [take 2]
6. Trouble in Mind
7. Hollywood Stomp
8. Detroit Moan
9. Any-Kind-a-Man [take 1]
10. Any-Kind-a-Man [take 2]
11. I Ain't Gonna Let You See My Santa Claus
12. One Hour Mama
13. Harlem Susie-Kue
14. Give It to Him [take 1]
15. Give It to Him [take 2]
16. Got the Blues So Bad
17. Down Hill Pull
18. From 1 to 12 (Dirty Dozen)
19. Good Cabbage
20. Time Ain't Long [take 1]
21. Time Ain't Long [take 2]
22. Don't Love No Married Man
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 12 to 16)
Bass – John Lindsay (tracks: 7 to 11), Pops Foster (tracks: 12 to 16), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 3)
Bass [Prob.] – John Lindsay (tracks: 4 to 6)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: 12 to 16), Arnett Nelson (tracks: 4 to 11)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Bill Owsley (tracks: 20 to 22)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Drums – Bud Washington (tracks: 1 to 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 4 to 6)
Drums [Prob.] – Fred Williams (tracks: 17 to 22)
Guitar [Poss.] – Big Bill Broonzy (tracks: 4 to 6)
Piano – Black Bob (tracks: 3), Dorothy Scott (tracks: 1, 2), J. H. Shayne (tracks: 4 to 11), Luis Russell (tracks: 12 to 16), Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey (tracks: 1, 2)
Piano [Prob.] – Aletha Robinson (tracks: 17 to 22)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Trumpet – Henry Allen (tracks: 12 to 16), Lee Collins (tracks: 1 to 3, 7 to 11)
Trumpet [Prob.] – Mr. Sheiks (tracks: 17)
Vocals – Victoria Spivey (tracks: 1 to 3)

ROOSEVELT SYKES - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1929-1930) DOCD-5116 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This volume, the first in a seven-part series collecting all of Roosevelt Sykes' recordings between 1929 and 1942, begins with the classic "44 Blues" and includes 22 more sides from late 1929 and early 1930. Also including several duets with Mae Bell Miller and Bee Turner, it is essential for hardcore fans of blues piano.  Rovi Staff

Tracklist :

1 –Roosevelt Sykes "44" Blues 2:58

2 –Roosevelt Sykes All My Money Gone Blues 2:50

3 –Roosevelt Sykes The Way I Feel Blues 2:52

4 –Roosevelt Sykes Henry Ford Blues 3:05

5 –Roosevelt Sykes I'm Tired Of Being Mistreated 3:34

6 –Roosevelt Sykes Boot That Thing 2:54

7 –Dobby Bragg Fire Detective Blues 3:03

8 –Dobby Bragg Little Sow Blues 3:09

9 –Dobby Bragg Single Tree Blues 2:46

10 –Mae Belle Miller Trouble Everywhere Blues 3:05

11 –Mae Belle Miller Working Man On The Seas 2:41

12 –Mae Belle Miller Beale And Main Blues 3:19

13 –Roosevelt Sykes Long Tall Man Blues 3:04

14 –Roosevelt Sykes Skeet And Garret 3:04

15 –Roosevelt Sykes Roosevelt's Blues 2:47

16 –Roosevelt Sykes Ten And Four Blues 3:08

17 –Roosevelt Sykes Black River Blues 3:09

18 –Roosevelt Sykes Bury That Thing 2:58

19 –Roosevelt Sykes Home Of Your Own Blues 2:55

20 –Roosevelt Sykes Lost All I Had Blues 3:15

21 –Roosevelt Sykes Poor Boy Blues 2:57

22 –Bee Turner Jivin' Jelly Roll Blues 3:15

23 –Bee Turner Rough Treatin' Daddy 2:30

Credits :

Compiled By, Producer – Johnny Parth

Cornet [Probably] – Oliver Cobb (tracks: 22, 23)

Guitar – Harry Johnson (tracks: 19 to21), Oscar Carter (tracks: 2-5)

Vocals – Bee Turner (tracks: 22, 23), Mae Belle Miller (tracks: 10 to13), Oscar Carter (tracks: 5)

Vocals [Speech, Probably] – Edith Johnson (tracks: 9)

Vocals [Speech] – Stump Johnson (tracks: 18)

ROOSEVELT SYKES - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 2 (1930-1931) DOCD-5117 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Part of the most ambitious series of Roosevelt Sykes reissues ever undertaken, Document's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1930-1931) features 24 tracks of prime blues piano, everything Sykes recorded during the year-long period between June of 1930 and June of 1931. Though there aren't as many classic tracks here as on other volumes, there are highlights: a remake of one of his more famous sides, this time called "Kelly's 44 Blues," and a couple of risqué titles ("Nasty but It's Clean," "Big Time Woman"). That's enough to make it of interest to completists and serious fans, though the long running time, chronological sequencing, and poor fidelity could make for difficult listening. Thom Owens
Tracklist :
1 32-20 Blues 3:05
Roosevelt Sykes
 2 Give Me Your Change 3:00
Roosevelt Sykes
 3 I Love You More and More 3:03
Roosevelt Sykes
4 Kelly's 44 Blues 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
5 3-6 and 9 2:54
Roosevelt Sykes
 6 We Can Sell That Thing 2:33
Roosevelt Sykes
 7 Conjur Man Blues 3:06
Roosevelt Sykes
8 Cotton Seed Blues 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
9 No Good Woman Blues 3:02
Roosevelt Sykes
10 Drinkin' Woman 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
11 Papa Sweetback Blues 3:19
Roosevelt Sykes
12 He Treats Me Like a Dog 3:00
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: St. Louis Bessie
13 Meat Cutter Blues 2:55
Roosevelt Sykes
14 Side Door Blues 2:46
Roosevelt Sykes
15 Big Time Woman 2:46
Wilton Crawley
Roosevelt Sykes
16 Thanksgivin' Blues 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
17 Kelly's Special 2:43
Roosevelt Sykes
18 Don't Put the Lights Out 2:48
Roosevelt Sykes
19 No Settled Mind Blues 2:37
Roosevelt Sykes
20 As True As I've Been to You 3:06
Roosevelt Sykes
21 Hard Luck Man Blues 3:13
Roosevelt Sykes
22 Don't Squeeze Me Too Tight 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
23 You So Dumb 3:26
Roosevelt Sykes
 24 Nasty But It's Clean 3:02
Roosevelt Sykes

 

ROOSEVELT SYKES - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 3 (1931-1933) DOCD-5118 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Document's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1932-1933) continues its chronological overview of Roosevelt Sykes' early recordings. As on the previous volume, Sykes reworks his "44 Blues," hits a few highlights ("Sail on Black Sue," "Highway 61 Blues"), tries his hand at a double entendre or two, and invites a few guests. (Actually, most of the tracks are features for outside vocalists, including Emerson Houston, Clarence Emerson, "Stump" Johnson, and Carl Rafferty.) Also in common with most Document collections, the lengthy running time, chronological sequencing, and fair audio quality are enough to make it a bit off-putting for most listeners. Thom Owens
Tracklist :
 1 Hard Luck Blues 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Emerson Houston
2 Strange Man Blues 2:54
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Emerson Houston
3 Sail on Black Sue 3:12
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Johnson's Jazzers
4 Barrel of Whiskey Blues 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Johnson's Jazzers
5 Prisoner's Blues 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Matthew McClure
6 Mosby Stomp 3:15
Roosevelt Sykes
7 Mr. Sykes Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
8 Highway 61 Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
9 Jelly Roll Mill 3:07
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Eithel Smith
10 In Here With Your Heavy Stuff 3:03
Isabel Sykes
11 Don't Rush Yourself 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Isabel Sykes
12 I Done You Wrong 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
13 Sad and Lonely Day 2:22
Roosevelt Sykes
14 Try My Whiskey Blues 2:53
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Clarence Harris
15 Lonesome Clock Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Clarence Harris
16 Found a Note on My Door 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Frank Pluitt
17 New 44 Blues 2:57
Roosevelt Sykes
18 Working Dollar Blues 3:04
Roosevelt Sykes
19 Big Legs Ida Blues 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
20 Devil's Island Gin Blues 2:59
Roosevelt Sykes
21 Dresser With the Drawers 2:32
Carl Rafferty / Roosevelt Sykes
22 Mr. Carl's Blues 3:32
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Carl Rafferty
23 She Showed It All 3:03
Napoleon Fletcher

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1923-38) DOCD-5322 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ida Cox was one of the most powerful blues singers of the 1920s, ranking just below Bessie Smith. The Document label has reissued all of Cox's 1920s recordings on four CDs, leaving out many of the alternate takes (since there are a great deal from 1923-24) to be put out on a later series. The first CD has the master takes of all of Cox's recordings from 1923, plus four alternates. Except for the closing "Bear-Mash Blues," which finds the singer joined by her future husband Jesse Crump on piano, the music either features accompaniment by pianist Lovie Austin (an underrated blues player) or assistance from Austin, the great cornetist Tommy Ladnier and clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant. Cox was one of the few singers from this early period who could overcome the technical limitations of the primitive recording equipment and really communicate with the listener. Among the highlights from her first year on records are "Any Woman's Blues," "Graveyard Dream Blues" (which is heard in three versions), "Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues," "Moanin' Groanin' Blues," "Come Right In" (which has some lines that would become quite familiar in later songs) and "I've Got the Blues for Rampart Street." Highly recommended. Scott Yanow 
Tracklist :
1 Any Woman's Blues 3:36
2 Bama Bound Blues 3:17
3 Lovin' Is The Thing I'm Wild About 3:01
4 Graveyard Blues [Take 1] 2:55
5 Graveyard Blues [Take 2] 2:55
6 Weary Way Blues 2:47
7 Blue Monday Blues 2:48
8 I Love My Man Better Than I Love Myself 2:56
9 Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues [Take 3] 2:51
10 Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues [Take 4] 2:41
11 Moanin' Groanin' Blues 2:44
12 Chattanooga Blues 2:47
13 Chicago Bound Blues [Take 2] 2:41
14 Chicago Bound Blues [Take 3] 2:31
15 Come Right In 2:44
16 I've Got The Blues For Rampart Street [Take 3] 2:45
17 I've Got The Blues For Rampart Street [Take 4] 2:48
18 Graveyard Dream Blues [Take 2] 2:52
19 Mama Doo Shee Blues 3:03
20 Worried Mama Blues 3:15
21 So Soon This Morning Blues 2:59
22 Mail Man Blues 3:01
23 Confidential Blues 2:58
24 Bear-Mash Blues 2:47

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 2 (1924-1925) DOCD-5323 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike most of her contemporaries, who spent at least part of their time singing vaudeville-type material and pop songs, Ida Cox stuck throughout her career to the blues. On the second of four Document CDs that reissue all of her 1920s material (although some of the many alternate takes are bypassed), Cox is mostly accompanied by either Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders (which usually includes cornetist Tommy Ladnier and clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant, although the great Johnny Dodds is on six selections) or, on one date, members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra. The recording quality of these Paramount 78s (which cover a 13-month period) is erratic, but there are a few classics here, including "Chicago Monkey Man Blues" (which has some lyrics that would later be used for "Going to Chicago"), "Blues Ain't Nothin' Else But," "Wild Women Don't Have the Blues" and "Death Letter Blues." Throughout, Ida Cox (who was second to Bessie Smith at the time) is quite consistent, making the most of her limitations. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Mean Lovin' Man Blues (Take 3)  2:49
Accompanied By – The Pruit Twins
Banjo – Milas Pruitt
Guitar – Miles Pruitt
Vocals – Ida Cox
2 Down The Road Bound Blues (Take 2)  3:20
Accompanied By – The Pruit Twins
Banjo – Milas Pruitt
Guitar – Miles Pruitt
Vocals – Ida Cox
3 Last Time Blues (Take 2)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
4 Worried Any How Blues  3:04
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
5 Chicago Monkey Man Blues (Take 1)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
6 Chicago Monkey Man Blues (Take 2)  2:52
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
7 Mean Papa Turn Your Key  3:03
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
8 Blues Ain't Nothin' Else But! (Take 2)  3:13
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Lovie Austin
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Ida Cox
9 Worried In Mind Blues (Take 1)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone [Poss.] – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant, Stump Evans
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
10 My Mean Man Blues (Take 1)  2:42
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone [Poss.] – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant, Stump Evans
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
11 Kentucky Man Blues  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
12 Cherry Picking Blues  3:19
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
13 Wild Women Don't Have The Blues  2:27
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
14 Worried In Mind Blues (Take 3)  3:00
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
15 Death Letter Blues  3:04
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
16 My Mean Man Blues (Take 4)  2:36
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
17 Those Married Man Blues  2:52
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
18 Misery Blues  3:13
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
19 Graveyard Bound Blues  3:20
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
20 Mississippi River Blues  3:12
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
21 Georgia Hound Blues  3:12
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
Whistle – Unknown Artist
22 Blue Kentucky Blues  2:54
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
23 Black Crepe Blues  2:53
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Serenaders
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
24 Fare Thee Well Poor Gal  2:50
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Serenaders
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 3 (1925-1927) DOCD-5324 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third of four "complete" Ida Cox CDs from Document has 14 selections from 1925, six from 1926 and four from 1927. Most of the sessions feature the masterful blues singer assisted by Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders, whose personnel was changing during this era -- they featured either Tommy Ladnier, the underrated Bob Shoffner, Bernie Young or Shirley Clay on cornet, Jimmy O'Bryant or (on two songs) Johnny Dodds on clarinet, and other unidentified musicians, including a trombonist. In addition, there are three duets with banjoist Papa Charlie Jackson, a couple of numbers in which Cox is joined by cornetist Dave Nelson and Jesse Crump on reed organ, and the first four tunes from a lengthy 1927 set that has Cox accompanied only by Crump's piano. Most interesting is "How Long Daddy, How Long," which was the basis of Leroy Carr's famous "How Long Blues." Other highlights include "Long Distance Blues," "Southern Woman's Blues," "Coffin Blues" and Cox's famous "'Fore Day Creep." All four of the discs in this valuable series are easily recommended to serious blues collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Cold Black Ground Blues 2:54
2 Someday Blues 2:55
3 Mister Man - Part 1 2:59
4 Mister Man - Part 2 2:45
5 Mistreatin' Daddy Blues (Take 1) 3:01
6 Long Distance Blues 3:01
7 Southern Woman's Blues (Take 2) 3:13
8 Lonesome Blues 2:52
9 How Long Daddy, How Long 2:58
10 How Can I Miss You When I've Got Dead Aim (Take 2) 2:44
11 I Ain't Got Nobody (Take 2) 2:56
12 Coffin Blues 3:16
13 Rambling Blues (Take 2) 2:36
14 One Time Woman Blues 2:56
15 Trouble Trouble Blues 2:56
16 Do Lawd Do (Take 1) 2:53
17 I'm Leaving Here Blues (Take 1) 3:06
18 Night And Day Blues (Take 2) 2:52
19 Don't Blame Me 3:04
20 Scottle De Doo 3:01
21 Fore Day Creep 2:26
22 Gypsy Glass Blues 2:41
23 Mojo Hand Blues 3:14
24 Alphonsia Blues 2:42

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Work in Chronological Order, Vol. 4 (1927-1938) DOCD-5325 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth and final CD in Document's extensive Ida Cox series features the classic blues singer in a variety of settings: backed by her future husband Jesse Crump on eight selections from 1927; accompanied by a variety of mostly unknown players on a dozen numbers from 1928; joined by a trio (including trombonist Roy Palmer) on two 1929 sides; and, finally, assisted by five Count Basie sidemen (trumpeter Shad Collins, trombonist Dickie Wells, tenorman Buddy Tate, bassist Walter Page and drummer Jo Jones) and pianist James P. Johnson during her two songs at the 1938 Spirituals to Swing Concert. Unfortunately, Document did not put out a Vol. 5 to cover Cox's 1939-40 recordings (which were reissued by Affinity). Although none of these individual selections became that famous, she is heard in prime form throughout, and she is at her best during the duets with Crump. In fact, Cox is in such fine form during her 1938 concert appearance that it makes one wonder why she was not more active on records during the 1930s and '40s. The first two CDs in this series get the edge, but all four will be wanted by vintage blues fans. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1 Pleading Blues 3:00
2 Lost Man Blues 2:46
3 Hard Oh Lawd 2:33
4 Mercy Blues 3:00
5 Seven Day Blues 3:05
6 Cold And Blue 2:47
7 Midnight Hour Blues 2:51
8 Give Me A Break Blues 2:53
9 Bone Orchard Blues 2:57
10 Sobbing Tears Blues 3:29
11 Booze Crazy Man Blues 3:05
12 Broadcasting Blues 2:44
13 Western Union Blues 2:33
14 Fogyism 2:44
15 Separated Blues 2:40
16 Tree Top Tall Papa 2:25
17 Marble Stone Blues 2:41
18 Crow Jane Woman 2:44
19 Worn Down Daddy Blues 2:38
20 You Stole My Man 2:42
21 I'm So Glad 3:10
22 Jail House Blues 3:21
23 Four Day Creep 3:28
24 Low Down Dirty Shame 2:35

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order Vol. 5 (1939-1940) DOCD-5651 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Other than an album from 1961, this CD has blues singer Ida Cox's final recordings. The first seven selections (which include a previously unreleased "One Hour Mama") has four additional alternate takes. Cox is heard in 1939 backed by an accurately-titled "all-star band" that consists of trumpeter Hot Lips Page, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Edmond Hall, either James P. Johnson or Fletcher Henderson on piano, guitarist Charlie Christian, bassist Artie Bernstein and Lionel Hampton on drums. Although her prime was considered the 1920s, Ida Cox on "Death Letter Blues" and "Four Day Creep" still sounds pretty strong. The remainder of this CD is taken from a 1940 session with trumpeter Red Allen, Higginbotham, Hall, pianist Cliff Jackson, bassist Billy Taylor, and drummer Jimmy Hoskins that resulted in four titles and four alternate takes; only two performances were released previously, but Cox's singing is excellent. It is a pity that because musical styles had changed, Ida Cox was largely forgotten during this period. Scott Yanow

Tracklist
1 Deep Sea Blues (Take 1) 3:20
Ida Cox
2 Deep Sea Blues (Take 2) 3:24
Ida Cox
3 Death Letter Blues (Take 1) 3:17
Ida Cox
4 Death Letter Blues (Take 4) 2:46
Ida Cox
5 One Hour Mama (Take 4) 2:56
Ida Cox / Porter Grainger
6 One Hour Mama (Breakdown) (Take 5) 0:17
Ida Cox
7 One Hour Mama (Take 6) 3:07
Ida Cox / Porter Grainger
8 Four Day Creep 3:28
Ida Cox
9 Pink Slip Blues 3:01
Porter Grainger
10 Hard Times Blues 3:00
Ida Cox
11 Take Him Off My Mind 3:05
Porter Grainger
12 Last Mile Blues (Take 1) 3:12
Ida Cox / Jesse Crump
13 Last Mile Blues (Take 2) 3:19
Ida Cox / Jesse Crump
14 I Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Break My Heart 3:21
Ida Cox
15 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 1) 2:55
16 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 2) 3:00
17 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 3) 3:17
18 You Got To Swing And Sway (Take 1) 2:57
Ida Cox
19 You Got To Swing And Sway (Take 2) 2:33
Ida Cox

Credits

Henry "Red" Allen - Trumpet

Artie Bernstein - Bass, Sax (Bass)

Charlie Christian - Guitar

Ida Cox - Composer, Primary Artist, Vocals

Edmond Hall - Clarinet

Lionel Hampton - Drums

Fletcher Henderson - Piano

J.C. Higginbotham - Trombone

Jimmie Hoskins - Drums

Cliff Jackson & His Crazy Cats - Piano

James P. Johnson & His Orchestra - Piano

James P. Johnson - Piano

Hot Lips Page - Trumpet

Billy Taylor - Sax (Bass)

Billy Taylor, Sr. - Bass

SYLVESTER WEAVER - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1923-1927) DOCD-5112 (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Most of Sylvester Weaver's recorded works were reissued in his name by the Document label in the early '90s, and the first of two volumes covers most of his recording activity from November 1923 through August 1927. Weaver's initial appearance on records was as accompanist to blues singer Sara Martin, and while Document bundled most of their collaborations into Martin's four-volume Complete Recorded Works, she pops up here and there on this collection under the pseudonym Sally Roberts. "Where Shall I Be?" and "I Am Happy in Jesus" are sung by Weaver, "Roberts," and Hayes B. Withers. Two more gospel songs -- "I'm Going to Wait on the Lord" and "There's Plenty Room ‘Way in the Kingdom" -- were recorded by this vocal trio but do not appear to have been reissued anywhere. Six additional titles are Weaver/"Roberts" blues duets. "Steel String Blues" is an instrumental number played by Weaver, banjoist Charles Washington, and violinist E.L. Coleman, under whose name the record was originally issued. The rest of this collection is devoted to Weaver's solo guitar (with occasional vocal) or banjo ("Six-String Banjo Piece" and "Damfino Stomp"). Weaver was among the first blues guitarists ever to make records, and his slide technique is a marvel unto itself. Note that little or no remastering was employed to improve the sound quality of these historic OKeh sides. While some may bristle at having to hear this music exactly as it sounded when rising up off the surface of the original 78-rpm platters, that kind of authentic listening experience can and does have merit. Admittedly, it would be nice to hear the 1923 version of his famous "Guitar Rag" (later to become a staple of Western swing via the efforts of Bob Wills) in a slightly "cleaner" transfer using state-of-the-art noise reduction technology, but it is a fact that every technological advance has potential drawbacks and many early blues connoisseurs will swear by these authentic transfers, warts and all. Indeed, the way the tones emerge through a gentle mist of 78 rpm surface noise has a marvelous charm all its own, and for this reason, the strongest link to the atmosphere surrounding Weaver and his instrument when "Guitar Blues" and "Guitar Rag" were cut on November 2, 1923 might well be the unmodified playback experience described here. Of course, the 1927 remake of "Guitar Rag" was recorded using the new electrical process, so it sounds clearer and less scratchy. Generally speaking, this is a fine collection of rare early blues with a bit of gospel in the mix. It may be enjoyed casually while relaxing at home with trusted friends or loved ones who are willing and able to absorb this kind of magic without worrying about impressing those whose elevated technocratic expectations deprive them of the patience or sensitivity necessary for an intimate brush with history. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1 Guitar Blues
2 Guitar Rag
3 Weaver’s Blues
4 Smoketown Strut
5 Mixing Them Up In C
6 I’m Busy And You Can’t Come In
7 Steel String Blues
8 Where Shall I Be?
9 I Am Happy In Jesus
10 Gonna Ramble Blues
11 Teasing Brown Blues
12 True Love Blues
13 Poor Boy Blues
14 Six-String Banjo Piece
15 Damfino Stump
16 Guitar Rag
17 Loving Is What I Crave
18 Useless Blues
19 Black Hearse Blues
20 Orn’ry Blues
21 Dad’s Blues
22 What Makes A Man Blue?
Credits :
Banjo – Charles Washington (tracks: 7), Sylvester Weaver (tracks: 14, 15)
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver (tracks: 1 to 13, 16 to 22)
Violin – E. L. Coleman (tracks: 7)
Vocals – Hayes B. Withers (tracks: 8, 9), Sally Roberts (tracks: 10, 11, 17, 18), Sara Martin (tracks: 8, 9, 19, 20), Sylvester Weaver (tracks: 8, 9, 12, 13, 21, 22)

SYLVESTER WEAVER - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 2 (1927) (1992) DOCD-5113 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Document's second volume devoted to the (nearly) complete recordings of blues guitarist Sylvester Weaver covers the second half of his brief recording career, beginning with three titles waxed on August 31, 1927 and filling the rest of the picture with 18 sides cut three months later on November 26, 27, and 30. Opening with the last two solo records he is known to have made, this tasty collection gathers in all of Weaver's collaborations with guitarist Walter Beasley, blended with five titles featuring a young vocalist by the name of Helen Humes. Like Weaver a native of Louisville KY, Humes was only 14 years old when she recorded these salty sides with titles like "Cross Eyed Blues," "Garlic Blues," and "Nappy Headed Blues." Although Weaver is said to have "discovered" her, Humes' recording debut actually took place more than half a year earlier in April at the age of 13! The Weaver/Beasley duo was a fine unit that compares and contrasts nicely with that of Lonnie Johnson and Eddie Lang, who would begin making records together in November 1928 with Lang billed as Blind Willie Dunn in an attempt by the record company to mask his whiteness. Many of the Weaver/Beasley duets were issued under Weaver's name, and in fact the only titles released as by Walter Beasley were "Georgia Skin" and "Southern Man Blues." Four titles were recorded as by Weaver and Beasley: "Soft Steel Piston," "St. Louis Blues," "Bottleneck Blues," and the delectable "Me and My Tapeworm," subtitled "Hungry Blues," which the squeamish management at OKeh left unissued for some unaccountable reason. Taken at face value, a song about an intestinal parasite occupies a special niche in musical history alongside the "Mean Old Bedbug Blues," Memphis Minnie's report on her bout with meningitis and other bracingly honest testimonials describing problems that make the usual interpersonal relationship woes pale by comparison. Think about it. What could bring on the blues more viscerally than discovering that you are playing host to your very own tapeworm? Years later, Alan "Duke of Ook" Seidler made a valiant effort to explore this thorny issue with his "Oozing Cyst Blues," and dozens of equally gross examples have probably surfaced since then in the blues and other fecund genres. arwulf arwulf 
Tracklist :
1 Can’t Be Trusted Blues
2 Penitentiary Bound Blues
3 Soft Steel Piston
4 Chittlin Rag Blues
5 Cross-Eyed Blues
6 Garlic Blues
7 Railroad Porter Blues
8 Me And My Tapeworm
9 Rock Pile Blues
10 Devil Blues
11 Polecat Blues
12 Alligator Blues
13 Nappy Headed Blues
14 Race Horse Blues
15 Bottleneck Blues
16 St. Louis Blues
17 Georgia Skin
18 Southern Man Blues
19 Toad Frog Blues
20 Sore Feet Blues
21 Black Spider Blues
Credits :
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver, Walter Beasley (tracks: 3 to 21)
Vocals – Helen Humes (tracks: 5, 6, 12 to 14), Sylvester Weaver (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7 to 11, 21), Walter Beasley  (tracks: 17 to 20)